Mechanical split seal

ABSTRACT

A split seal component including a seal face comprising two seal face rigidly mounted in two holder halves and methods of assembly and installation face segments may each have a nose that is held snugly by each holder half and supported axially. Aligning pins received in aligning holes of the holder halves may be used to align the face segments. A fixture may be used to axially align the seal segments. A split o-ring and inner axial wall may be included that position the seal face concentrically with a shaft. Each holder half may have an integral band that clamps and also positions the face segments concentrically with the shaft. The walls of the holder halves may be stress-relieved proximate the junctions of the holder halves. A kit is provided for a rotary seal component with a rigidly mounted seal face. Another seal component includes a seal face comprising two seal face segments resiliently mounted in two holder halves. Each seal face segment has a ridge that abuts against a split o-ring positioned in a recess in an outer wall of each holder half. An inner axial wall maintains the axial alignment of the seal face segments and, in conjunction with the split o-ring, retains the seal face and a biasing device in the holder half.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of copending application Ser. No. 09/992,968, filedNov. 5, 2001, which is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.09/362,171 filed Jul. 27, 1999, which are incorporated herein byreference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

(Not Applicable)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mechanical split seals. Mechanicalsplit seals are employed in a wide variety of equipment, such as pumps,to

fluid-tight seal between one environment having a pressurized processfluid external environment containing the equipment. The split sealassembly is

positioned about a rotating shaft that is mounted in and protruding froma

of the equipment.

Conventional split seal assemblies include face type mechanical seals,which have a pair of seal faces that are concentrically mounted aboutthe shaft. The seal faces have smooth radial primary sealing surfacesthat are in contact with each other. Usually one seal face remainsstationary while the other seal face rotates with the shaft. The splitseal assembly prevents leakage of the pressurized process fluid to theexternal environment by biasing the seal faces in contact with eachother. For example, a split seal assembly may include one or moresprings, which urge the seal faces together.

The rotary seal component includes a rotary seal face which is usuallymounted in a rotary holder. The rotary holder includes a pair of holderhalves, each having a pair of mating surfaces, that are fastenedtogether. A set screw is generally used to secure the rotary sealcomponent to the shaft. The stationary seal face is usually mounted in apiece called a gland. The gland also includes a pair of holder halves,usually referred to as gland halves, each having a pair of matingsurfaces that are fastened together. In an assembled split seal, therotary seal component is disposed within the gland, so that the primarysealing surfaces contact one another.

The mating surfaces of the rotary and stationary holder halves arenormally manufactured to tight tolerances. Typically, each holder half

of the mating surfaces for mounting a sealing gasket. When the gasket is

the groove and the halves are secured together, the gasket contacts the

surface of the half. This contact forms a pressure-tight and afluid-tight seal

halves.

The seal faces are often divided into segments, each segment having twosplit surfaces. Because the seal faces are split, they can be mountedabout the shaft without freeing one end of the shaft. Frequently, thesplit between the split surfaces is angularly offset from the junctionbetween the mating surfaces. The split seal assembly has a distinctadvantage over non-split mechanical seal designs in that the total timeto install the seal is reduced because the rotating equipment does nothave to be dismantled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Axial alignment of the primary sealing surfaces and concentricity of theseal faces with the shaft are conducive to forming a good seal.Maintenance of the axial alignment and concentricity retains a good sealunder pressure.

Axial alignment may be easily and quickly achieved by seating the sealface of one of the seal components rigidly in the holder halves. Byproviding circumferential axial support for this seal face, distortionof the primary sealing surfaces even under high pressures may be reducedor eliminated. The holder halves may be configured to form the seal faceconcentrically with the shaft and to maintain the

pressure. The face of the other seal component may be resilientlysupported

In one aspect, a seal component has a circular seal face and first and

halves. Each seal face includes two seal face segments. Each seal face

primary sealing surface. A section extends axially from each primarysealing

a nose extends radially from each section. The nose of each seal facesegment is mounted within each holder half. The seal face may be rigidlymounted.

Each holder half may have a recess. The nose of one of the seal facesegments may be within the recess. The nose contacts against a lip ofthe recess when pressure is applied to the seal face in a directionopposing the primary sealing surfaces.

Each holder half may include a channel having an inner axial wall and anouter wall. One of the seal face segments may be within the channel.

Each holder half has first and second mating surfaces. An aligning pinmay extend from each of the second mating surfaces. Each of the firstmating surfaces may have an aligning hole which snugly receives one ofthe aligning pins. When the holder halves are positioned such that eachof the aligning pins is received within each of the holes, the holderhalves are axially and radially aligned with each other, and thealigning pins are retained within the holes upon release of the holderhalves.

The seal component may further include a split o-ring between an innerwall of the section extending from the primary sealing surface and arotating shaft upon which the seal component is mounted. The splito-ring centers the seal face with the shaft. Alternatively, the splito-ring may be in a recess in the inner wall. configuration, the innerwall includes an axial wall and a conical wall, the

extending from the axial wall. The split o-ring is against the conicalwall.

In another aspect, a seal component has two seal face segments and

second holder halves. Each seal face segment includes a primary scaling

section extending from each primary sealing surface. Each section has anouter wall. Each holder half includes first and second mating surfacesand an integral band having an inner wall. The inner walls surround theouter walls and secure the seal face segments rigidly and concentricallyaround a rotating shaft.

Each of the integral bands may be attached to each of the holder halvesat each of the first mating surfaces. The inner walls and the outerwalls may be, for example, semi-cylindrically shaped or semi-conicallyshaped. Each integral band may have a first and a second flangedsection. The second flanged section may have a lip protruding from anouter edge. The first flanged section may have a complementary notch.The lip of each integral band is in the notch of the other integralband.

In yet another aspect, a seal component comprises a seal face and firstand second holder halves. Each half includes first and second matingsurfaces and an outer wall. Each of the walls extends from the firstmating surface to the second mating surface. The outer walls have astress-relief proximate the first and second mating surfaces. Each halfmay further include an inner axial wall that has a stress-reliefproximate the first and second mating surfaces.

In a further aspect, a rotary seal component kit comprises

segments and first and second rotary holder halves. Each seal facesegment

primary sealing surface, a section extending from the primary sealingsurface extending radially from the section. The nose of each seal facesegment is

within each holder half. Each holder half may have a recess with thenose of

seal face segments within each recess.

Each half may include an integral band which surrounds the section. Eachholder half may have first and second mating surfaces, an inner axialwall and an outer wall. The inner axial wall and the outer wall may havestress-reliefs proximate the mating surfaces. A split o-ring may be onan inner wall of the section.

In still another aspect, a seal component includes two holder halves, asplit o-ring, and two seal face segments. Each holder half includes aninner axial wall and an outer axial wall coaxial to the inner axialwall. Each outer axial wall has a groove. A split o-ring is in thegrooves. Each seal face segment has a ridge. The segments are betweenthe inner and outer axial walls of each half. Each segment is supportedby at least one resilient support axially pushing the segment away fromthe holder half. The inner axial walls maintain the segments concentricwith the shaft during assembly and installation and retain the resilientsupports. The ridges abut against the split o-rings preventing the sealface segments from axially separating from the holder halves.

A method of assembling a seal component half includes inserting a splitsurface of a seal face segment into a channel of a holder half, so thata nose extending radially from the seal face segment enters acomplementary recess in the

seal segment along the channel until the seal face segment is fullyseated in

half. The method may further include adhering a split o-ring to an innerwall face segment.

A method of assembly and installation of a seal component includes

first and second seal component halves and uniting the component halvesaround a shaft. The first component half includes a first holder half,and the second component half includes a second holder half. Each holderhalf has a counterbore and a seal face segment. A nose extends from eachseal face segment. The nose is retained in the counterbore.

Each holder half may have a first and second mating surface. The secondsurface may have an aligning pin and the first surface may have analigning hole. The uniting may further include inserting each of thealigning pins into each of the aligning holes. The method of assemblyand installation may further include placing a fixture between eachholder half and a radial surface opposing a primary sealing surface ofeach seal face segment. Insertion of the fixture axially aligns the sealface segments.

Another method of assembly and installation of a seal component includesinserting seal face segments into first and second holder halves. Eachseal face segment has an outer peripheral surface. Each holder half hasan integral band surrounding one of the outer peripheral surfaces. Next,the holder halves are placed around a shaft. Finally, the integral bandsare fastened one to another.

A split seal assembly includes first and second seal

component has a circular seal face with two seal face segments. Eachseal has a nose. The first seal component also has two holder halves.The nose

face segment is mounted within each holder half. The second seal

resiliently mounted seal face.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one quarter of a mechanical split seal assemblyincorporating a rotary component with a rigidly seated seal face and astationary seal component with a resiliently-mounted seal face.

FIG. 2 is an axial view of the rotary seal ring component of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a rotary component half in which the noseextends radially inwardly.

FIG. 4 is an axial view of half of the rotary seal component of FIG. 1showing a rotary seal face segment partially inserted into a rotaryholder half.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a rotary component half without an axial wallbetween the seal face and the shaft.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a rotary component half in which a seal facesurface proximate a split o-ring is conically shaped.

FIG. 7 is an axial view of two joined rotary holder halves of the typeshown in FIG. 1, with seal face segments removed to illustrate stress-

walls.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a rotary component half in which the outer

the seal face is conically shaped and the back end of the seal faceagainst

ring rests is also conically shaped.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a rotary component half with a recess in theseal face within which a split o-ring is situated and in which a nose ofthe seal face bears against an integral band.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a rotary component half in which an innersplit o-ring is seated in a recess in the rotary holder half and asecond split o-ring is situated against the outer wall of the nose, witha gasket joining the two split o-rings.

FIG. 11 is a side view of one quarter of a mechanical split sealassembly in which the stationary seal face is seated rigidly and therotary seal face is mounted resiliently.

FIG. 12 is a side view of one quarter of a mechanical split sealassembly in which the stationary seal face is held in a channel.

FIG. 13 is a side view of one quarter of a mechanical split sealassembly in which the stationary seal face bears axially against thefront and back edges of the integral band.

FIG. 14 is a side view of one quarter of a mechanical split sealassembly in which the stationary seal face does not have a nose.

FIG. 15 is an axial view of the stationary seal component of FIG. 12 atsection line 15-15 showing the integral bands that clamp around the sealface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description should be read in conjunction

drawings in which similar reference numbers indicate similar structures.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a split seal assembly 10 is formed by two sealcomponents, a rotary component 30 that rotates with a shaft 20 and astationary component 40, that does not rotate. Each component has a sealface 200, 400. For purposes of clarity, features of the rotary andstationary seal faces have numbers from 200 to 300 and from 400 to 500,respectively. Each seal face 200, 400 may be constructed of, forexample, graphite-filled silicon carbide, silicon carbide or ceramic, inannular form and then fractured into two or more segments, as at rotaryface splits 202 shown in FIG. 2. The split surfaces 204, 404 may becoarse, so that the face segments interlock as in a puzzle, or may besmooth.

The rotary seal face segments 206 are placed in rotary holder halves,102, 104 and the stationary seal face segments 406, are mounted instationary holder halves 310, 312 (shown in FIG. 15), usually referredto as gland halves. Again, for clarity, features of the rotary andstationary holder halves have numbers from 100 to 200 and from 300 to400, respectively. The rotary and stationary holder halves are typicallymade of stainless steel and are manufactured using conventional CNCmachining methods. Split o-ring 500 forms a seal between the rotarycomponent 30 and the shaft 20. Split o-ring 506 is positioned between anouter axial wall 407 of the stationary seal face 400 and the stationaryholder halves 310, 312. Gaskets 508 in grooves 316

mating surfaces 318 of each stationary holder half 310, 312 provide aseal

holder halves 310, 312. Thus, assembly of the rotary and stationary

around the shaft 20 creates a sealed annular cavity 50.

In the split seal assembly shown in FIG. 1, the rotary and stationary

components 30, 40 may comprise two unitized halves, with no loose parts,except fasteners, (not shown) that fit around a shaft 20 and form thesplit seal assembly 10. Because each half of the rotary seal component106, 108 and each half of the stationary seal component 306 may be fullyassembled before mounting to the shaft 20, the installation procedure iseasy. A total of only four parts, excluding fasteners, may bemanipulated during installation. The seal components create and maintainaxial alignment and concentricity of the seal faces with the shaft evenunder high pressure operation.

Each rotary seal face segment 206 fits within and extends axiallythrough a counterbore 110 in each rotary holder half 102, 104 to aradial primary sealing surface 210. In the configuration illustrated inFIG. 1, the counterbore 110 of each rotary holder half 102, 104 forms achannel 112 with an inner axial wall 114, extending to a radial wall116, which meets an outer axial wall 118. The clearance between theinner wall 220 of the rotary face and the inner axial wall 114 of eachrotary holder half 102, 104 is close with the exact clearance varyingwith the seal size, the smaller seals having less clearance. The closeclearance between the inner wall 220 of the seal face and the inneraxial walls 114 aids in holding the face 200 concentric with the

is too large, the face 200 may be eccentric to the shaft 20 possiblycreating

between the inner wall 220 of the face 200 and o-ring 500. It may alsoallow movement of the face 200. If the clearance is too little, theinner axial wall 11 on the face 200 and prevent face alignment duringinstallation.

A recess 120 may be machined in the outer axial wall 118. The rotaryseal face segments 206 may fit within the channel 112 and have acylindrical section 212 extending axially from the primary sealingsurface 210. The cylindrical section 212 may have a radially outwardlyextending nose 214 that engages with the recess 120 in the channel 112.When the holder halves are connected around the shaft 20, the close fitbetween the nose 214 and the recess 120 axially aligns the primarysealing surfaces 210. If the clearance is too great, there may beexcessive movement during start up, which may cause breakage of the face200. If the clearance is too tight, the face segments 206 may not alignproperly with each other during installation. The appropriate clearancevaries according to seal size.

A benefit of sealing the nose 214 in the recess 120 is that when axialforce is applied to the outward radial surface 216 opposing the primarysealing surface, the forward radial wall 215 of the nose 214 bearsagainst the rearward radial wall of a lip 121 of the recess 120. Becausethe force is borne along the 360 degree circumference of the seal face,areas of concentrated stresses are reduced, if not eliminated, resultingin minimal distortion even at higher pressures. Any distortion that doesoccur is localized in and around the nose 214 and does not translate tothe primary

higher pressures. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the nose 214 a may

inwardly and engage with a recess 120 ain the inner axial wall 114 a

To fit the nose 214 within the recess 120, the seal face segments 206 a

into the channel 112 radially, with one split surface 204 entering thechannel 1 shown in FIG. 4. The seal face segments 206 are then slidarcuately along the channel 112 until fully seated. The seal facesegments 206, seated in the channel 112, are unlikely to beinadvertently dislodged. Thus, in such a configuration employing achannel 112 to house the face segments 206, separate handling andconsequent damage of the face segments 206 during installation of therotary seal component 30 is reduced.

Split o-ring 500 seated on the inner wall 220 of the rotary seal face200 contributes to the face 200 being aligned concentrically with theshaft 20. Split o-ring 500 may be located at various axial locationsbetween the seal face 200 and the shaft 20 as shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 6,and 8-9. If the rotary seal component 30 is secured around the shaft 20,the split o-ring 500 not only seals between the seal face 200 and theshaft 20 and resists rotation of the seal face relative to the shaft 20,but also helps to position the seal face 200 concentrically about theshaft 20. The inner axial wall 114 also contributes to concentricitybetween the seal face 200 and the shaft 20. The inner wall 220 ofsection 212 bears radially against the inner axial wall 114 and preventsthe face 200 from being pulled eccentric to the shaft which could createa leak between the face and shaft, if the holder is tightened unevenly.The inner wall 220 also limits the amount of eccentricity of the face sothat the face runs concentrically to the shaft.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5 the counterbore 110 may not

axial wall. In such a configuration, a close fit between the inner axialwall 2

seal face and the shaft 20 may assist with achieving and maintaining

between the seal face 200 b and the shaft 20.

Alignment of the face segments 206 may be assisted by aligning pins 122.These pins may have chamfered or rounded ends, which may extend from oneof the rotary holder mating surfaces 128 of each rotary holder half 102,104. Aligning holes 124 may be bored in the other rotary holder matingsurface 126 of each rotary holder half 102, 104. The aligning pins 122and aligning holes 124 may have a snug fit with about a 0.0005 in.clearance such that insertion of the aligning pins 122 into the aligningholes 124 aligns the primary sealing surfaces 210.

The snug fit of the aligning pins 122 in the aligning holes 124 has thefurther advantage of providing for easy installation. If the rotary sealcomponent halves 106, 108 are placed around the shaft 20 and thealigning pins 122 are inserted into the aligning holes 124, the rotaryseal component 30 may be left on the shaft 20 or moved along the shaft20 without becoming undesirably disengaged, even before the attachmentof any fasteners.

Although, the insertion of the aligning pins 122 into the aligning holes124 and the interaction of the nose 214 of the seal face 200 with therecess 120 of the rotary holder halves 106, 108 may satisfactorily alignthe primary sealing surfaces 210 when the two rotary component halves106, 108 are connected, a final

before fastening. A fixture 602 may be inserted as illustrated in FIG.6,

edge 134 of the outer wall 118 of the counterbore 110, shown in FIG. 7,and radial surface 216 opposing the primary sealing surface 210. Thefixture 602 such a thickness that if it is placed directly beneath oneof the splits 202

rotary face segments 206 c, the primary sealing surfaces 210 may beeasily aligned axially.

Each rotary holder is formed as a cylinder and then divided into twoholder halves 102, 104. A small amount of material may be removed fromeach mating surface 126, 128 of each holder half 102, 104. This helps toposition the face 200 perpendicular and concentric with the shaft 20.

The seal face 200 may be clamped in position and formed concentricallyabout the shaft 20 by fastening together an integral band 136 of eachrotary holder half 102, 104 around the outer periphery 218 of thecylindrical section 212 of the seal face 200. The integral bands 136securely clamp the rotary face segments 206 together into a non-splitconfiguration concentric with the shaft 20, and reduce relative axial orradial movement between the rotary face segments 206. Although atorque-wrench may be used to tighten the integral bands 136 to the sametightness at each junction, because other features may be included suchas the split o-ring 500 and the inner axial wall 114 which contribute toforming the seal face concentrically with the shaft, identical tightnessat the junctions of the integral bands is not critical to concentricity.

As shown in FIG. 7, the integral band 136 may form a section of theouter axial wall 118 of the counterbore 110. A cylindrically-shapedintegral. shaped integral band (not shown) may be used. Theconically-shaped

complementary in shape to a seal face segment 206 d with aconically-shaped periphery 218 d as shown in FIG. 8. A tight tolerancebetween the integral

the outer periphery 218 of the rotary face allows the band to accurately

outer periphery with a minimum take up of the band when tightened. Ifthe band 136 is too large or too small, the face 200 may not alignperpendicular to and concentric with the shaft 20. The back edge of theintegral band 136 may also serve as a stop for the nose 214 b extendingoutwardly from the seal face segments as shown in FIG. 5.

Each integral band 136 may be attached to each rotary holder half 102,104 proximate one of the rotary holder mating surfaces 126 and may beotherwise unattached. The cylindrically-shaped integral band 136terminates in first and second flanged sections 138, 140 normal to theshaft 20. The conically-shaped integral band also terminates in firstand second flanged sections 138 d, 140 d as shown in FIG. 8. Each secondflanged section 140 may have a lip 162, protruding from an outer edge141. Each first flanged section 138 may have a complementary notch 160.Screws or other fastening devices (not shown) are used to tighten theintegral bands around the seal face evenly and equally. When theintegral bands are tightened, lips 162 fit into notches 160 providing aninterlock. This interlocking of the bands prevents the integral bandsfrom twisting and driving inward towards the face possibly knocking itout of alignment. The interlock also reduces vibration and loosening ofthe screws.

One or more elastomeric strips or o-ring segments 512

rotary holder half 102, 104, coaxial and outer to the outer axial wall118 in a 152. The o-ring segments 512 may be stacked axially, one uponanother with 152. The o-ring segments 512 assist in assembly of the twohalves 102, 104.

segments press against the outer axial wall 118 which forces the facesegment

semi-circular shape and reduces the likelihood of the face segmentsliding within the channel. When the two holder halves 102, 104 arebrought together, because each face segment 206 is held in asemi-circular shape, the halves connect easily. The elastomeric stripsor o-ring segments 512 also contribute to the concentricity of the sealface 200 by pressing against the outer axial wall 118, and may providevibration dampening, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

In conventional split seals, high stress areas occur on the seal face200 at or near the junctions 130 of the holder halves 102, 104. Toreduce or eliminate these high stress areas and any resulting distortionof the seal face, the outer wall 118 may have a stress-relieved region148 close to the junction 130 as shown in FIG. 7. The inner axial wall114 (if one is present) may also have a stress-relieved region 150.These regions 148, 150 provide the added advantage of facilitating easyinsertion of the seal face segments 206.

The features described above may be combined in various ways. Thefigures depict only a few of the many combinations envisioned. FIGS. 1,5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 each depict a slightly different sealingconfiguration. In FIG. 1, the split o-ring 500 is situated on an innerwall 220 of the cylindrical section 212 between the front edge 146 ofthe inner axial wall 114 and an inner radial surface 222 opposing the

210. In FIG. 6, the surface of the seal face segment 206 c opposing the

surface 210 is a conical surface 222 c rather than radial. In another

in FIG. 8, the seal face segment 206 d is machined with a conical backwall 22

which the split o-ring 500 is placed. As shown in FIG. 5, a step 224 maybe

the seal face segment 206 b in which the split o-ring 500 may besituated. Alternatively, the split o-ring 500 may be seated in a recess226 in the seal face segment 206 e as shown in FIG. 9.

Two split o-rings 502 and 504 may be used to perform instead of thesingle split o-ring 500 as shown in FIG. 10. Split o-ring 502 sealsbetween the shaft 20 and the rotary holder halves 102, 104 and splito-ring 504 seals between the outer periphery 218 of the seal facesegments 206f and the rotary holder halves 102, 104. A gasket 510 ispositioned to form a seal between the split o-rings 502, 504. The gasket510 is required if the mating surfaces 126, 128 are not completelyclosed upon assembly. If the mating surfaces 126, 128 of rotary holderhalves 102, 104 are machined smooth and permitted to close uponassembly, the gasket 510 is not used.

The ends of the split o-rings may be slightly displaced angularly fromthe rotary holder mating surfaces 126, 128. This slight offset providesa good seal against the shaft and prevents the o-ring from being caughtbetween the mating surfaces of the holder halves. The ends of the splito-ring may be, for example, skive cut at an angle, ball and socket,tongue and groove or blunt.

A rotary seal component may have any one of the seal

or shown in the FIGS., with a suitable o-ring, in conjunction with arotary

or may not have an inner axial wall. An integral band, either conicallyor

shaped, may be used to clamp the seal face segments together andposition the concentric with the shaft. A recess in the counterbore forreceiving the nose

placed at various axial positions along the counterbore and may bemachined in either the inner or outer wall. The nose may be insertedinto a recess in the outer wall or may bear directly against the backedge of the integral band. The rotary holder may have stress-relievedwalls near the mating surfaces. Vibration damping strips may be includedin slots in the rotary holder halves. Thus, the possible configurationsproduced by combining the various features described are numerous.

The rotary seal component may be in the form of a kit. Such a kit mayinclude at least two rotary seal face segments, two rotary holder halvesand a split o-ring. The seal face segments, rotary holder halves, andsplit o-ring may have any combination of the configurations discussedabove. The rotary seal component kit may be utilized in a conventionalmechanical split seal or in conjunction with the stationary glanddiscussed below.

Each stationary holder half 310, 312, otherwise known as gland halves,may contain a stationary face segment 406 resiliently mounted in acounterbore 322 as shown in FIG. 1. A split o-ring 506 may be mounted inan arcuate groove 324 in the counterbore 322 and may prevent thestationary seal face 400 from being axially withdrawn from thecounterbore 322. The stationary seal face 400 may have a

a larger diameter than the inner periphery 507 of the split o-ring 506in its

state. If an axial force is applied to withdraw the stationary seal face400

half 310, 312, the ridge 410 contacts the o-ring 506 which forms a stop,

restrain the seal face 400 in the counterbore 322. The split o-ring 506also

the stationary seal face 400 and the holder halves 310, 312 and pressesradially inwardly against the stationary seal face 400, helping toposition the face 400 concentric with the shaft 20.

Each holder half 310, 312 may include an inner axial wall 328. The inneraxial wall 328 helps align the stationary seal face segments 406 normalto the shaft during assembly and installation. The wall 328 inconjunction with the ridge 410 and split o-ring 506, also retains thestationary seal face segments 406 in the holder halves 310, 312. Theridge 410 may be tapered to facilitate easy axial insertion of the ridge410 past the inner periphery 507 of the split o-ring 506. The stationarycomponent 40, thus, may comprise only two stationary component halves306, 308 with no loose parts, except for fasteners.

A resilient support pushes the stationary primary sealing surface 408away from the holder halves toward the rotary primary sealing surfaces210. Such a resilient support may constitute compression springs 514retained in the counterbore 322 by the seal face 400. Wave springs,canted coils, leaf springs and bands or resilient copolymers also may beused. If the counterbore has an inner axial wall 328, the wall 328reduces the likelihood of the resilient support being dislodged.

For ease of assembly and for alignment, one of the mating the stationaryholder halves 310 may have an aligning pin 330 that mates

corresponding aligning hole on one of the mating surfaces 320 of theother

holder half 312. Gland bolts or other fasteners (not shown) connect the

310, 312 sealing gland mating surfaces 318, 320 together.

Alternatively, the stationary face segments 406 a may be held rigidlyand the rotary seal face segments 206 g may be mounted resiliently. Asshown in FIG. 11, the stationary face segments 406 a are held rigidly ina counterbore 322 a. The stationary holder halves 310, 312 may have aninner axial wall 328 a so that a channel 326 a is formed in which thestationary face segment 406 b is seated, as shown in FIG. 12. Thestationary seal face segments 406 b may be slid radially into thechannel 326 a. In another configuration, the holder halves 310, 312 maynot have an inner axial wall as shown in FIG. 13.

A nose 436 may engage with a recess 336 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.Alternatively, the nose 436 may extend beyond the counterbore 322 b sothat it extends axially from the stationary holder halves 310, 312 asshown in FIG. 13. In either configuration the nose is axially supportedalong 360 degrees reducing distortion at the seal face under highpressures. The back radial surface 438 of the nose 436 may be used toaxially align the stationary seal face segments 406 c. In anotherconfiguration, the stationary seal face segments 406 d do not have anose 436 as shown in FIG. 14 and are restrained from dislodging axiallytoward the rotary component by a net force on the seal face in theopposing direction.

As shown in FIGS. 11-14, the stationary face segments 40

concentrically by an integral band 342 configured similarly to that

respect to a rigidly mounted rotary seal face. Each stationary holderhalf 310 have an integral band 342 around the outer periphery 412 of acylindrical

the seal face segments 406 a-d. The integral bands 342 rigidly andsecurely

stationary face segments 406 a-d together into a rigid non-splitconfiguration concentric with the shaft 20, and reduce relative axial orradial movement between the stationary face segments 406 a-d.

As shown in FIG. 15, the integral band 342 may form a section of theouter wall 314 of the counterbore 324. Each integral band 342 may beattached to each stationary holder half 310, 312 proximate one of thestationary holder mating surfaces 318, 320 and may be otherwiseunattached. The cylindrically-shaped integral band 342 terminates inflanged sections 344, 346 normal to the shaft 20. Screws or otherfastening devices (not shown) may be used to tighten the integral bandsaround the seal face. The back 352 and front edges of the integral band342 may also serve as axial stops for the nose 436 extending outwardlyfrom the seal face segments 406 c as shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 also illustrates that the outer axial wall 314 may have astress-relieved region 348 close to the stationary holder matingsurfaces 318, 320 to reduce or eliminate localized stresses. The inneraxial wall 328 (if one is present) may also have a stress-relievedregion 350. These regions 348, 350 provide the added advantage offacilitating easy insertion of the seal face segments 406 a-d.

As shown in FIG. 11, each rotary holder half 102 a, 104 a n

segment 206 g resiliently mounted in a counterbore 110 a. A split o-ring516 mounted in an arcuate groove 154 in the counterbore 110 a and mayprevent

seal face segment 206 g from being axially withdrawn from thecounterbore 11 rotary seal face segment 206 g may have a ridge 156 witha larger diameter than periphery 517 of the split o-ring 516 in itsuncompressed state. If an axial force is applied to withdraw the rotaryseal face segment 206 g from the holder half 102 a, 104 a then the ridge156 contacts the o-ring 516 which forms a stop, tending to retain theseal face 206 g in the counterbore 110 a. The split o-ring 516 alsoseals between the rotary seal face segments 206 g and the holder halves102 a, 104 a and presses radially inwardly against the rotary seal facesegments 206 g, helping to position the seal face concentric with theshaft 20.

Each holder half 102 a, 104 a may include an inner axial wall 114 a. Theinner axial wall 114 a helps align the rotary seal face segments 206 gnormal to the shaft 20 during assembly and installation. The wall 114 ain conjunction with the ridge 156 and split o-ring 516, also retains therotary seal face segments 206 g in the holder halves 102 a, 104 a. Theridge 156 may be tapered to facilitate easy axial insertion of the ridge156 past the inner periphery 517 of the split o-ring 516. The rotarycomponent 30, thus, may comprise only the two rotary component halveswith no loose parts, except for fasteners.

A resilient support pushes the rotary primary sealing surface 208 atoward the stationary primary sealing surface 408 a. Such a resilientsupport may constitute compression springs 518 retained in thecounterbore 110 a by the

Wave springs, canted coils, leaf springs and bands or resilientcopolymers

used. If the counterbore 110 a has an inner axial wall 114 a, the wall114 a red

likelihood of the resilient support being dislodged.

One of the advantages of the split seal assembly is the ease of assemblyinstallation. The method of assembly depends on the particular sealconfiguration. In a split seal assembly in which the rotary face 200 ismounted rigidly and the stationary face 400 is mounted resiliently, theassembly steps for the rotary component 30 include the following. First,the split o-ring 500 is positioned, preferably adhered to each seal facesegment 206. Next the rotary seal face segments 206 are slid radiallyinto the rotary holder halves 102, 104 with the noses 214 mounted in theholder halves 102, 104. The two rotary holder halves 102, 104 may thenbe affixed around the shaft 20. The aligning pins 122 may be insertedinto the corresponding aligning holes 124. Unlike conventional splitseal assemblies, the face segments 206 do not need to be shiftedradially so that the split 202 between the face segments 206 is offsetwith the junction 130 of the rotary holder mating surfaces 126, 128.

A shimming device 602 may be used to set the axial alignment of the facesegments 206, as shown in FIG. 6. To ensure that the face segments aresatisfactorily aligned, a finger may be passed over the junction 130 andthe face segments 206 may be pressed toward the shimming device 602until the no misalignment is felt between the face segments. Then, theshimming device 602 may be removed and the mating surfaces may befastened together. Fasteners may be inserted through

FIG. 3, and tightened. Finally, integral bands 136 of the rotary holderhalve may be tightened one to another to position the rotary seal face200

the shaft 20.

In a rotary component without an inner axial wall 114, the rotary seal

segments 206 may not necessarily have to be slid radially into therotary holder halves 102, 104. When no inner axial wall 114 is employed,the rotary seal face segments 206, may be positioned around the shaft 20and then may be surrounded by the rotary holder halves 102, 104. A snapring (not shown) may be placed around rotary seal face segments 206 tohold them while the rotary holder halves 102, 104 are positioned.However, if the fit between the nose 214 and a recess 120 is very close,it may be easier to slide the seal face segments 206 radially into theholder halves 102, 104 even when there is no inner axial wall.

The resiliently-mounted stationary component 40 may be assembled asfollows. A biasing device such as compression springs 514 or wavesprings may be placed in the counterbore 322 of each gland half 310,312. Next a split o-ring 506 may be set into a groove 324 in the outerwall 314 of the counterbore 322. Finally, the stationary seal face 400may be inserted axially into the counterbore 322 so that the ridge 410of the stationary seal face 400 pushes past and is held within thecounterbore 322 by the split o-ring 506. The gland halves 310, 312 withthe gasket 508 installed in the mating surface 318 then may be placedaround the rotary component 30 and sealed so that the rotary andstationary primary sealing surfaces 210, 408 are in biased

Having now described a few embodiments, it should be apparent to

in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting,having

by way of example only. Numerous modifications and other embodiments

scope of one of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated asfalling within of the invention.

1. A split seal component usable on a shaft, comprising: a holderincluding two holder halves each having an annular portion positionableadjacent to said shaft and an axially-extending channel extending froman end wall and between an inner axial wall of said annular portion andan outer axial wall, said inner axial wall having a distal end spacedfrom said end wall and said channel configured to contain at least aportion of a seal face segment; a circular seal face including two sealface segments each having a primary sealing surface, an inner wall, anouter wall and a portion positionable in said channel, said portiondimensioned to permit some radial movement thereof when positioned inthe channel; and a split o-ring positioned between said portion of eachseal face segment and one of said axial walls and arranged to press saidportion of each seal face segment toward the other one of said axialwalls, the o-ring positioned at an axial location intermediate andspaced from both said end wall of the channel and said distal end of theinner axial wall of the annular portion.
 2. A split seal segment as inclaim 1, wherein said o-ring is positioned between said portion of eachseal face segment and said outer axial wall and arranged to press thatportion toward said inner axial wall.
 3. A split seal segment as inclaim 1, wherein said split o-ring is arranged to press radiallyinwardly against said portion of each said seal face segment to aidalignment of the seal face segments.
 4. A split seal component as inclaim 1, wherein each seal face segment includes a radially-extendingportion arranged to inhibit withdrawal of the seal face segment from theholder half.
 5. A split seal component as in claim 4, wherein saidradially-extending portion extends in a direction away from the inneraxial wall.
 6. A split seal component as in claim 4, wherein saidradially-extending portion is configured to contact said split o-ringupon axial movement of the seal face segment out of said channel.
 7. Asplit seal component as in claim 1, wherein said inner axial wall of theannular portion of the holder half has a curvature of a first radius andsaid outer axial wall has a curvature of a radius larger than said firstradius.
 8. A split seal component as in claim 1, wherein said holder isconfigured for one of: rotation with said shaft; stationary mounting. 9.A split seal component usable on a shaft, comprising: a circular sealface including two seal face segments each having a primary sealingsurface, an inner wall and an outer wall; a holder including two holderhalves each having an annular portion configured for placement adjacentsaid shaft and an axially-extending channel extending from an end walland between an inner axial wall of said annular portion and an outeraxial wall, said channel configured to contain at least a portion of onesaid seal face segment with radial spacings between said portion of thatseal face segment and each of said inner and outer axial walls effectiveto aid alignment by limiting tilting of said one seal face segmentrelative to the other seal face segment; and at least one resilientelement positioned at least partially within said channel to act uponthe seal face axially; said inner and outer axial walls havingrespective distal ends located at approximately the same distance fromsaid end wall.
 10. A split seal component as in claim 9, furthercomprising: a split o-ring positioned between said portion of one saidseal face segment and one of said axial walls at an axial locationintermediate and spaced from both said end wall of the channel and saiddistal end of the inner axial wall of the annular portion.
 11. A splitseal component as in claim 10, wherein said split o-ring is positionedbetween the outer wall of said seal face segment and said outer axialwall.
 12. A split seal component as in claim 10, wherein each seal facesegment includes a radially-extending portion arranged to contact saidsplit o-ring upon axial movement of the seal face segment to inhibit itswithdrawal from the holder half.
 13. A split seal component as in claim9, wherein each seal face segment includes a radially-extending portionarranged to inhibit withdrawal of the seal face segment from the holderhalf.
 14. A split seal component as in claim 9, wherein said inner axialwall of the annular portion of the holder half has a curvature of afirst radius and said outer axial wall has a curvature of a radiuslarger than said first radius.